Auto signal



Feb. 14, 1939. 1." H. HENDRICKSON 2,147,404

AUTO 5 IGNAL Filed May 29, 1957 L l I I L J g n III INVENTOR.

Leonora /7. Hen c/rv'ckson,

11/6 A ORNEY.

Patented Feb. 14, 1939 STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

This invention relates to auto signals and more particularly to a combined parking light an turn signal for automobiles.

The main objects of my invention are:

First, to provide an auto signal that is simple and economical in its parts, and very efficient and effective for the purpose intended.

Second, to provide an improved direction signal which may also be used as a parking light.

Third, to provide an auto signal which may be electrically and mechanically operated by manipulating the same finger pin.

Referring to the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary view in front elevation of the interior of an automobile equipped with my signal.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view partly in longitudinal section and partly in elevation of my signal.

Fig. 3 is a circuit diagram of my signal.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary View in front elevation of a modification.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view in side elevation of an automobile equipped with my signal.

Fig. 6 is a view, partly in section, of the snap switch which may be used.

As shown in the drawing, the instrument panel I of the automotive vehicle 2 is provided with vertically spaced horizontal slots 3 and 4 for the passage of the stem 5 of a snap switch 6. The stem 5 is held in proper adjusted position for sliding movement in the slot by means of upper and lower nuts I and 8 which are threaded on the stem.

Connected at their inner ends to the bodies 9 of the snap switches are a pair of tubular slides in and l I. These slides project through holes 12 provided therefor in opposite walls of the body of the automobile 2. The slides are provided at their outer ends with signal lamps l3 and 14, preferably colored, one to indicate a left turn and the other a right turn. Extending through each slide is an electrical conductor [5 which is connected at one end to one terminal of the lamp and at the other end to one terminal of the switch 6.

The other. terminal of the lamp is grounded at It. The other terminal of the switch is connected to the battery I! by a flexible insulated conductor I 8, the opposite terminal of the battery being grounded at 19. Thus when the snap switch 6 is closed the signal lamp is energized, and when the switch 6 is open the lamp is deenergized.

The snap switches are provided with finger pieces 20 and 21 for controlling the lighting of the lamps as well as their movement. Thus, the finger piece may be moved axially to fiash the lamp while at the same time, the slide is being actuated by the transverse movement of the finger piece. Referring to Fig. 2, it will be understood that the dotted line showing therein indicates the outer position of the finger piece 2| whereas the full line position shows or indicates its inner position. And, of course, this finger piece is slidable from one position to the other. When it is in one of these positions, as, for instance, its dotted line position, then the circuit is completed through the wires or conductors l5 and i8 and thus the signal is illuminated or energized. When the finger piece is in its other position then the circuit is broken. If desired, the switch 6 may be of that type of switch which snaps to the desired position after part only of the operating movement is completed. However, this is not particularly material as the switch itself is not a part of my invention.

Fig. 6 illustrates the snap switch in detail. Numeral 24 indicates the stem of the switch, this stem being formed of a non-conducting material and being slidable axially into and out of the body 9. Reference numeral 6 designates the switch generally. The stem 24 has a hole therein as shown in Fig. 6, this hole receiving a coiled spring 25 which presses against a contacting ball 26 at its end. The conductor [5 is fastened to the conductor ring 21 and the wire or conductor [8 leads from the conductor ring 28. An insulating ring 29 is located between these two rings. Also, a second insulating ring 30, grooved as shown, is located next to the ring 28. This groove receives the contact ball 26 whenever the stem is pushed inwardly as indicated by the arrow 3|. This is the full line position of the stem as shown in Fig. 2.

The body 9, see Fig. 6, is formed of a nonconducting material, at least at its enlarged portion, so as to prevent grounding of either side of the circuit.

For parking purposes the snap switch may be closed to light the lamp in its projected or retreated position relative to the body of the automobile. If desired both lamps may be lighted for parking.

Referring to Fig. 4, 22 is a tubular bracket for the slide II and finger piece 2|, which is adapted to be secured to the outer side of the instrument panel through the lugs 23 by Vacuum cups or otherwise.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art switch housing connected to said slide for movement therewith, and a finger piece projecting from said switch housing for manipulating said slide and said switch, as desired, substantially axial movement of said finger piece controlling said switch and transverse movement thereof controlling said slide.

LEONARD H. HENDRICKSON. 

